Thomas Davis was entitled to his TD return Sunday (even if it shouldn’t have counted)

Almost every NFL linebacker thinks they could be successful as a running back. Thomas Davis (58) of the Carolina Panthers probably really could. Grant HalversonGetty Images

Almost every NFL linebacker thinks they could be successful as a running back. Thomas Davis (58) of the Carolina Panthers probably really could. Grant HalversonGetty Images

Every NFL linebacker I’ve spent time with claims he could have played running back in the NFL. Defensive backs sometimes make the same claim. Somewhere, a long snapper probably does. I’ve never asked J.J. Jansen, Carolina’s fine long snapper, if he could.

Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton talks about Michael Oher. Then the Panthers QB answers a question about who has left him starstruck.

By

Digital Access for only $0.99

Jon Beason, the former Panthers’ linebacker who had been a big-time fullback, said he could have been a star running back. Shaq Thompson was a star running back at Washington. But the player who should be voted Linebacker I Least Want to Tackle When he’s Running with a Football is Carolina’s Thomas Davis.

Davis returned a fumble 46 yards against Arizona Sunday for his first touchdown. And even if the fumble wasn’t real (it was a pass), Davis’s touchdown was. This is his 12th season, and the touchdown was his first. Davis was entitled.

Davis’ athleticism, speed and instincts offer him credibility other potential running backs lack. When DeAngelo Williams, a real Panthers’ running back, was a rookie 10 seasons ago, he talked about getting run down by a linebacker. He was incredulous. Then he said, “Oh, it was Thomas Davis.” Willliams invoked Davis’ name as if it explained everything. It did.